Stephen O’Bent
Minister of Music and the Arts
Pronouns: He/Him
“Few things bring me more joy than building community through music-making. It’s my weekly honor to lead the fantastic Chancel Choir, which includes everyone from seasoned pros to folks joining their very first choral ensemble, in singing weekly anthems in a wide range of musical styles. I hold deeply the conviction that everyone has a place in the choir, that every gift is welcome, and that we can do more together than any of us could do alone. This church, which I am proud to have grown up in, has a long-standing legacy of excellent music-making and I feel lucky beyond words to foster that tradition amongst the many talented musicians in our community.”
Stephen has a B.A. in Music from Occidental College and an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. Stephen conducts the Chancel Choir and has conducted works performed with orchestras and choirs from other churches, including the Fauré Requiem, the Street Requiem, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite. Stephen plays several instruments, including the trombone, and also conducts our brass ensemble, Horns O’ Plenty.